The biggest challenge during my internship so far has definitely been unclear directions and uncertainty. I typically receive a lot of vague texts briefly describing a post they want me to create. Which is challenging because in order to design a post that meets their expectations I typically need a clear idea of what they’re looking for. I have also experienced uncertainty in scheduling and working times, considering they don’t usually get back to me in a timely manner. Also sometimes they reach out to me on the weekends with requests. This is challenging because I never truly know what to expect.
I tend to receive texts like “create a post for this” or “we were thinking something like this”. Which means I have to ask a lot of follow up questions in order to understand the details for what they need. I’ve learned to not take offense to having to recreating an idea several times. When it comes to digital design it is difficult to create the perfect post on your first try. Especially because social media is such a subjective and opinionated form of marketing. Someone could learn a certain technique and spend years perfecting it, but if it’s not what the client is looking for you need to learn to adapt your methods. The customer is always right, and I’ve learned good communication makes all the difference. That way you can represent their brand as best as possible. Another struggle I’ve been experiencing is figuring out the societal and cultural context within Prague. I’ve been trying to research trends so that I can best reach their audience and pull in new customers. When they give me examples and inspiration posts it definitely helps speed up the process. However most of the time they don’t end up liking the outcome and want to completely change it. Learning to adjust to the constant problem solving has been one of the most difficult parts. But I have learned to embrace it and learn from the criticism. I tend to provide several suggestions, ideas, and designs so they have enough options. That way they can get an idea of what exactly they’re looking for.
Getting content late at night has also posed its own challenges. Considering I need to allot time during the day for editing, while also mapping out public transportation later at night. This has recently been frustrating because if the content I take is not up to par, I have to set aside time to come to the bar on a different night. Which means I have to wait to edit content and prolong the designing process even more. Luckily my supervisor seems to be very understanding about this, it can just be frustrating when I’m not given this feedback soon enough. Sometimes when I don’t receive a response about an assignment, I become unsure as to whether I should wait, send another text, or proceed with the project on my own without further confirmation. Especially because I’ve been receiving more texts on the weekends after I wait a day or two for a response. I’m learning to be more proactive and explain my designs in my messages, that way I can get my thoughts and points across without inconveniencing them. As well as being as polite as possible in order to show etiquette and considerate of their time.
Also due to cultural workplace differences I haven’t been able to truly assess their deadline policy. They seem to have a very flexible schedule and don’t usually give me specific deadlines. Therefore I’m never quite sure if they need it done as soon as possible or within a few days. I never really know if they want to see more of my creativity or just want me to strictly follow their ideas and guidelines. I’ve been adjusting to this issue by fulfilling their requests but also sending my respectful input on what I could do better. Overall they’ve been very understanding of my learning processes though, and I like that they’ve been giving me such a wide variety of tasks and assignments. They also seem to have a very inviting work environment and I’ve enjoyed getting to know my coworkers. I’ve also learned a lot about my future career path and what kind of day to day tasks I should be expecting. I’ve learned to trust my creative instincts and provide as much detail as possible. It’s important to find value in feedback and not to discourage yourself because no one is perfect.
